The Republic of Kenya celebrates many national and religious holidays throughout the year. The Kenyan Parliament has set aside specific holidays that are celebrated the same day each year as national holidays, and requires all people be given the right to commemorate holidays on their celebrated day.

The Parliament has established that all national holidays are days off from work. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following business day is acknowledged as the holiday. Employers and government officials can ask employees to work on those days with proper forms of compensation, such as extra pay for the holiday work or a different paid day off.

The Minister of Kenya, by law, holds the right to create additional holidays, change dates of holidays, or make special holidays in the country or within certain districts based on national events. The Minister must broadcast this special holiday in the Gazette. Special holidays are only recognised for that year and will not be celebrated in any future years.